Sympathy for the Devil (1 Viewer)

[kevinray]

As a Steeler fan I've grown to hate the Patriots. Always good games when we played but I've detested them ever since they knocked us out of the first AFCC game. I bashed their super bowl efforts, said they were lucky, and that if they played St. Louis 10 times they'd lose 9 of them. Tore into Brady every chance I had, came up with arguments against a dynasty, everything pretty much everyone else did up until their third win.

Now I'm beginning to understand their plight of having to defend themselves. Not trying to say its the same thing, there are reasons why my teams getting torn into, but this sucks. Its 2 days after the first super bowl victory since the 70's, I just got done with a Primantis sandwich at the super bowl parade, and I'm nothing but pissed off. Haven't heard anything about Ben's obscene winning record as a starter, or how great the run through the playoffs was. Just about how Seattle should have won. I've looked at the controversial plays over and over. There were a lot of them, but I still don't see any reason why they should have definitely gone the other way. It sucks. I feel like we have to win another to prove anything. I didn't think anything could ruin a Steeler super bowl victory but it has. You fans who haven't gone through it can't even begin to understand. I'm sure you'd all still gladly trade places with me, but this really does suck. I'm sympathizing with the Patriots.

 

[Godsbrother]

Anytime you feel depressed just remember who has the Lombardi Trophy. That should cheer you up.

 

[2112]

welcome to the Super Bowl in the age of anonymous-internet-message-board-communities-sans-rytalin

 

[Workhorse]

One day, we will all be whiny tools.

And we will bask in the glory of our whiny tooldom.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Honestly man, I can't imagine letting any of this ruin the fact that the Steelers won the Super Bowl!

Let 'em talk, let 'em believe what they want to believe!

Enjoy it! If you want to debate it, great... just don't let it get to you because in the end, those opinions don't mean a damn thing.

 

[dudaman]

Haivng to listen the whole winter/spring/summer about the tuck rule definitely was a downer, but I got over it quickly. You'll get over this.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Anytime you feel depressed just remember who has the Lombardi Trophy. That should cheer you up.

Exactly. To me, the Steelers proved they were the best team before even playing the superbowl. They beat (convincingly I might add) the two best teams in the league on the road. Then they went into the superbowl and won the game--period. You have nothing to be disappointed about or ashamed about. Fans from other teams will have their opinions and thats fine. Don't let that ruin your spirit. AFter the road the Steelers had to take, no team is more deserving of calling themselves NFL champs than our Steelers.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Most winning teams go through this. The Redskins only made the second round of the playoffs, yet I still had to defend them all year long against people who thought they were just lucky.

The truth is that in this age of parity, there really isn't a huge difference between being #1 and not even making the playoffs. For example, if Pit played Miami right now on a neutral field, I wouldn't be shocked if Miami won. So any team that wins is going to have a ton of luck along the way. Thats nothing against Pitt...its just the nature of the game today.

So, yes, I think a team does have to win multiple times in order to truly prove that they are a great team. In the end, though, you shouldn't care. And Big Ben will have your team in contention for the next decade, so that respect may indeed be coming.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Anytime you feel depressed just remember who has the Lombardi Trophy.  That should cheer you up.

Exactly. To me, the Steelers proved they were the best team before even playing the superbowl. They beat (convincingly I might add) the two best teams in the league on the road. Then they went into the superbowl and won the game--period. You have nothing to be disappointed about or ashamed about. Fans from other teams will have their opinions and thats fine. Don't let that ruin your spirit. AFter the road the Steelers had to take, no team is more deserving of calling themselves NFL champs than our Steelers.

You do realize that the Seahawks hadn't lost a game since week 4 other than a meaningless week 17 game and blew out all of their playoff opponenets despite the league MVP missing one game, right?

 

[Hammered Finz]

Don't need to make excuses for WINNING!!

 

[redman]

The real question of the day is, "Can the Patriots three-peat next season?"

I think they can.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Anytime you feel depressed just remember who has the Lombardi Trophy.  That should cheer you up.

Exactly. To me, the Steelers proved they were the best team before even playing the superbowl. They beat (convincingly I might add) the two best teams in the league on the road. Then they went into the superbowl and won the game--period. You have nothing to be disappointed about or ashamed about. Fans from other teams will have their opinions and thats fine. Don't let that ruin your spirit. AFter the road the Steelers had to take, no team is more deserving of calling themselves NFL champs than our Steelers.

You do realize that the Seahawks hadn't lost a game since week 4 other than a meaningless week 17 game and blew out all of their playoff opponenets despite the league MVP missing one game, right?

I do realize that and thats why it was my opinion. The road the Steelers had to take to get to the superbowl and the convincing fashion of their victories leading up to the superbowl is what I base that statement on. It is just an opinion and that isn't taking away anything from Seattle. I honestly thought Pittsburgh was better than Seattle before the superbowl started. Nothing that happened during that game has changed my mind.

 

[Franknbeans]

←

 

[toxicbees]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders. Raiders fans still cringe at the thought of Tuck Rule.I'm not sure if the bad plays in Superbowl XL will stand the test of time as the tuck rule has, but I think Steelers fans should be prepared to live with the negativity surrounding the win for quite a while.

The Snow Bowl/The Tuck (January 19, 2002, Oakland Raiders vs. New England Patriots, AFC Divisional Playoff Game) With less than two minutes to play in regulation, the Patriots trailed the Raiders, 13-10, in a game played mostly under a driving snowstorm. Oakland defensive back Charles Woodson blitzed Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and sacked him, causing what appeared to be a fumble. The ball was recovered by the Raiders' Greg Biekert at the Oakland 42-yard-line. When the officials reviewed the play, however, they ruled that Brady lost the ball while attempting to abort a pass (using a tucking motion), making it an incomplete pass rather than a fumble. The Patriots retained possession, and later tied the game on an Adam Vinatieri field goal with 27 seconds left in regulation. They won the game in overtime on a 23-yard field goal.

 

[Seehawk]

Most winning teams go through this. The Redskins only made the second round of the playoffs, yet I still had to defend them all year long against people who thought they were just lucky.

The truth is that in this age of parity, there really isn't a huge difference between being #1 and not even making the playoffs. For example, if Pit played Miami right now on a neutral field, I wouldn't be shocked if Miami won. So any team that wins is going to have a ton of luck along the way. Thats nothing against Pitt...its just the nature of the game today.

So, yes, I think a team does have to win multiple times in order to truly prove that they are a great team. In the end, though, you shouldn't care. And Big Ben will have your team in contention for the next decade, so that respect may indeed be coming.

It's funny to hear Steeler fans complain that they have to defend their accomplishment(s) after spending two weeks defending the Seahawk's accomplishments to all the Steeler fans You don't have to go back to the Patriots to find a kindred spirit, just look to the Seahawks who had to hear all the "NFC sucks" and "Strength of Schedule" BS for the last 2 weeks.

Steelers won, tip of the hat, congrats. They are the champs.

But I can't help but think that karma is rearing it's ugly head here a bit. Seahawks were one of the best teams in the NFL this season and they got solidly dissed for 2 weeks.

 

[Godsbrother]

Most winning teams go through this. The Redskins only made the second round of the playoffs, yet I still had to defend them all year long against people who thought they were just lucky.

The truth is that in this age of parity, there really isn't a huge difference between being #1 and not even making the playoffs. For example, if Pit played Miami right now on a neutral field, I wouldn't be shocked if Miami won. So any team that wins is going to have a ton of luck along the way. Thats nothing against Pitt...its just the nature of the game today.

So, yes, I think a team does have to win multiple times in order to truly prove that they are a great team. In the end, though, you shouldn't care. And Big Ben will have your team in contention for the next decade, so that respect may indeed be coming.

It's funny to hear Steeler fans complain that they have to defend their accomplishment(s) after spending two weeks defending the Seahawk's accomplishments to all the Steeler fans You don't have to go back to the Patriots to find a kindred spirit, just look to the Seahawks who had to hear all the "NFC sucks" and "Strength of Schedule" BS for the last 2 weeks.

Steelers won, tip of the hat, congrats. They are the champs.

But I can't help but think that karma is rearing it's ugly head here a bit. Seahawks were one of the best teams in the NFL this season and they got solidly dissed for 2 weeks.

And Steelers fans were being laughed at before the Cincinnati game because they even considered the possibility of beating the Bengals, Colts and Broncos on the road to get to the Super Bowl. I can search for the thread if you want.You have to remember that at one point the Steelers were 7-5 and just lost 3 in a row. Since then the Steelers went 8-0, mostly playing the cream of the NFL and only playing 2 of those games at home.

The Steelers have taken a road no other team has before and came out on top.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders. Raiders fans still cringe at the thought of Tuck Rule.

I'm not sure if the bad plays in Superbowl XL will stand the test of time as the tuck rule has, but I think Steelers fans should be prepared to live with the negativity surrounding the win for quite a while.

The Snow Bowl/The Tuck (January 19, 2002, Oakland Raiders vs. New England Patriots, AFC Divisional Playoff Game)

With less than two minutes to play in regulation, the Patriots trailed the Raiders, 13-10, in a game played mostly under a driving snowstorm. Oakland defensive back Charles Woodson blitzed Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and sacked him, causing what appeared to be a fumble. The ball was recovered by the Raiders' Greg Biekert at the Oakland 42-yard-line. When the officials reviewed the play, however, they ruled that Brady lost the ball while attempting to abort a pass (using a tucking motion), making it an incomplete pass rather than a fumble. The Patriots retained possession, and later tied the game on an Adam Vinatieri field goal with 27 seconds left in regulation. They won the game in overtime on a 23-yard field goal.

How about the Indy/Steelers game 23 days ago.

 

[acefootball]

Really if you just want to celebrate, why not just go to a Steeler forum and talk about how great your team is and congratulate each other. I think from what I've read in the SP not too many people are saying that the Steelers weren't deserving, they just feel the game would have been much closer and better if the officials would've hung on to their flags for about 3 plays. To say you left the parade upset, just seems a little silly to me.

 

[Godsbrother]

Nahhh. There are lots of posts here about how the Steelers were handed the Lombardi Trophy by the refs. Heck, even Holmgren pretty much said it.

 

[tommyboy]

I think you focus on the FACT that the Steelers just won their 5th title and ignore the haters, you'll be fine.

the excuse makers are really beneath contempt, meaning they aren't worth wasting your emotions caring about.

as long as you live, this will be the Steelers 5th NFL title, only 3 franchises have that, and this team is capable and likely to challenge for a couple more the next 3-4 years.

the future looks bright, focus on that

 

[acefootball]

Nahhh.  There are lots of posts here about how the Steelers were handed the Lombardi Trophy by the refs.  Heck, even Holmgren pretty much said it.

Was curious what Holmgren had to say about Stevens dropping 3 passes, and his own clock management at the end of the first half. And the Seahawks got suckered by Antwaan Randle El’s end-around option pass -– precisely the sort of play he has become famous for. Seattle fans should focus on their own mistakes as well as the officials.

 

[Shrek]

I can't believe it took this long for one of these threads to get started.

 

[Kit Fisto]

As a Steeler fan I've grown to hate the Patriots. Always good games when we played but I've detested them ever since they knocked us out of the first AFCC game. I bashed their super bowl efforts, said they were lucky, and that if they played St. Louis 10 times they'd lose 9 of them. Tore into Brady every chance I had, came up with arguments against a dynasty, everything pretty much everyone else did up until their third win.

Now I'm beginning to understand their plight of having to defend themselves. Not trying to say its the same thing, there are reasons why my teams getting torn into, but this sucks. Its 2 days after the first super bowl victory since the 70's, I just got done with a Primantis sandwich at the super bowl parade, and I'm nothing but pissed off. Haven't heard anything about Ben's obscene winning record as a starter, or how great the run through the playoffs was. Just about how Seattle should have won. I've looked at the controversial plays over and over. There were a lot of them, but I still don't see any reason why they should have definitely gone the other way. It sucks. I feel like we have to win another to prove anything. I didn't think anything could ruin a Steeler super bowl victory but it has. You fans who haven't gone through it can't even begin to understand. I'm sure you'd all still gladly trade places with me, but this really does suck. I'm sympathizing with the Patriots.

I sympathize with you as well, Steeler fan. For the record, I think the officials did a HORRIBLE job throughout the entire post-season, but that doesn't taint what the Steelers did in any way.For years, we Patriot fans have had to tolerate all the "whiney tool" comments, all the "Patriots fans are cocky" comments, "Super Bowl 36 was tainted because of the Raiders game" bullsh*t. People forget that all the tuck rule did was give the Patriots AN EXTRA DOWN! All the Raiders had to do to win was A) stop the Patriots or B) get a first down themselves. They couldn't do either, but it's the Pats who were weak.

It always struck me funny that when a person gets poked-poked-poked, then finally defends their team, they get called a whiney tool, but every childish instigater who lives with Mommy and hasn't been laid in his lifetime more than I just did this weekend, can bust my balls. To me the whiney tools were the ones making excuses as to why the Patriots were no good. When you attend a game at Gillette, you'll see that only championships matter. You won't find any AFC Champion or Wild Card banners hanging here.

So enjoy your Super Bowl victory, and let the haters hate. The Steelers proved themselves by going on the road and beating the very tough Bengals, Broncos, Colts and Seahawks, and you (or the Steelers) don't owe a damn thing to anyone.

Don't let flame-war inciting children on anonymous message boards get to you. Anonymity makes some people braver than they would ever be face-to-face.

And p.s.: Can someone please make a "SOUR GRAPES" smiley to post in reply to crybaby fans of other teams who can only make excuses?

 

[redman]

I think Steelers fans are getting hated on just like Jesus.

[/TO]

 

[Seehawk]

Most winning teams go through this. The Redskins only made the second round of the playoffs, yet I still had to defend them all year long against people who thought they were just lucky.

The truth is that in this age of parity, there really isn't a huge difference between being #1 and not even making the playoffs. For example, if Pit played Miami right now on a neutral field, I wouldn't be shocked if Miami won. So any team that wins is going to have a ton of luck along the way. Thats nothing against Pitt...its just the nature of the game today.

So, yes, I think a team does have to win multiple times in order to truly prove that they are a great team. In the end, though, you shouldn't care. And Big Ben will have your team in contention for the next decade, so that respect may indeed be coming.

It's funny to hear Steeler fans complain that they have to defend their accomplishment(s) after spending two weeks defending the Seahawk's accomplishments to all the Steeler fans You don't have to go back to the Patriots to find a kindred spirit, just look to the Seahawks who had to hear all the "NFC sucks" and "Strength of Schedule" BS for the last 2 weeks.

Steelers won, tip of the hat, congrats. They are the champs.

But I can't help but think that karma is rearing it's ugly head here a bit. Seahawks were one of the best teams in the NFL this season and they got solidly dissed for 2 weeks.

And Steelers fans were being laughed at before the Cincinnati game because they even considered the possibility of beating the Bengals, Colts and Broncos on the road to get to the Super Bowl. I can search for the thread if you want.You have to remember that at one point the Steelers were 7-5 and just lost 3 in a row. Since then the Steelers went 8-0, mostly playing the cream of the NFL and only playing 2 of those games at home.

The Steelers have taken a road no other team has before and came out on top.

I'm not really sure what your point is here...The thread was kicked off with a lament that the Steeler's championship is being questioned and that the writer could now understand the Patriot's past pain.

I was merely pointing out that for 2 week's Steeler fans (and others) were questioning the Seahawk's 2006 accomplishments and suggesting that they're merely now getting a taste of what they've been dishing out for 14 days. For the last 2 weeks I had to hear from 62% of the voting public that the Seahawks didn't deserve to be in the Superbowl and now the Steelers are hearing from the same 62% that they didn't deserve to win the Superbowl.

Pardon me if I don't shed any tears over this karmically balanced turn of events

 

[tommyboy]

if they do a whiner smiley, I hope its a mini-holmgren

 

[acefootball]

if they do a whiner smiley, I hope its a mini-holmgren

Is there such a thing ?

 

[jcjets]

Look at it this way. What matters is what the players think and feel. They earned it, and they are celebrating. Let your friends say what they want, they didn't play in the game, you didn't play in the game. The sad reality is we are all just fans, and really don't help determine the outcome. Whether you rooted for them or not they still would have won. Pitt won, they have the trophy thats all that matters.

In 3 years you will have 40% of your current roster on other teams, but you'll still be rotting for anybody wearing a Pitt uniform.

Example: Pitt signs Alexander this off season. You thought he ran slow, fell down to easy, and was soft in the SB. Now he's your favorite player and can do no wrong.

It's just an example.

 

[B-Deep]

Maybe when we are done crying in this thread about how tough it is being a fan, we can all go watch brokeback mountain together and sing songs about the power of love...

IT'S FOOTBALL NOT FIGURE SKATING! If your team won congrats! If your team lost, it sucks being the #2 team in the league but you'll survive, ask Jim Kelly.

What a bunch of whiners!

 

[fred_1_15301]

Most winning teams go through this. The Redskins only made the second round of the playoffs, yet I still had to defend them all year long against people who thought they were just lucky.

The truth is that in this age of parity, there really isn't a huge difference between being #1 and not even making the playoffs. For example, if Pit played Miami right now on a neutral field, I wouldn't be shocked if Miami won. So any team that wins is going to have a ton of luck along the way. Thats nothing against Pitt...its just the nature of the game today.

So, yes, I think a team does have to win multiple times in order to truly prove that they are a great team. In the end, though, you shouldn't care. And Big Ben will have your team in contention for the next decade, so that respect may indeed be coming.

It's funny to hear Steeler fans complain that they have to defend their accomplishment(s) after spending two weeks defending the Seahawk's accomplishments to all the Steeler fans You don't have to go back to the Patriots to find a kindred spirit, just look to the Seahawks who had to hear all the "NFC sucks" and "Strength of Schedule" BS for the last 2 weeks.

Steelers won, tip of the hat, congrats. They are the champs.

But I can't help but think that karma is rearing it's ugly head here a bit. Seahawks were one of the best teams in the NFL this season and they got solidly dissed for 2 weeks.

And Steelers fans were being laughed at before the Cincinnati game because they even considered the possibility of beating the Bengals, Colts and Broncos on the road to get to the Super Bowl. I can search for the thread if you want.You have to remember that at one point the Steelers were 7-5 and just lost 3 in a row. Since then the Steelers went 8-0, mostly playing the cream of the NFL and only playing 2 of those games at home.

The Steelers have taken a road no other team has before and came out on top.

For the last 2 weeks I had to hear from 62% of the voting public that the Seahawks didn't deserve to be in the Superbowl

A little off topic here but is this for real? Did 62% really vote that the Seahawks didn't belong in the Superbowl? If not them, then who? The Panthers? I'm seriously just curious if this is true or an exaggeration to make your point. If it's true, thats ridiculous cause Seattle was clearly (and I thought without a doubt) the best team in the NFC.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Maybe when we are done crying in this thread about how tough it is being a fan, we can all go watch brokeback mountain together and sing songs about the power of love...

IT'S FOOTBALL NOT FIGURE SKATING! If your team won congrats! If your team lost, it sucks being the #2 team in the league but you'll survive, ask Jim Kelly.

What a bunch of whiners!

Who's your favorite team, B-Deep?

 

[Seehawk]

A little off topic here but is this for real? Did 62% really vote that the Seahawks didn't belong in the Superbowl? If not them, then who? The Panthers? I'm seriously just curious if this is true or an exaggeration to make your point. If it's true, thats ridiculous cause Seattle was clearly (and I thought without a doubt) the best team in the NFC.

Exaggeration to make my point (Hey! at least I admit it! )The roughly 60% figure was the running average in most "who's going to win the superbowl" polls going 60/40 for the Steelers. I don't recall actually seeing a poll asking if the Seahawks (or Steelers for that matter) deserved to be in the Superbowl but if you read the pinned thread leading up to the game there were a lot of people severely dissing what Seattle had done this year and it wasn't just here. I heard a lot of comments about the weak NFC, the strength of schedule, the below average defense....just a lot of questioning if Seattle was even in the same class as the Steelers. I was a bit taken aback at how roundly a #1 seed could be dismissed.

I've said here and in other threads that the Steelers won, they are the champs, they defeated my Seahawks and I tip my cap.

But don't come here whining about having to defend your accomplishment after making me spend two weeks defending ours.

 

[B-Deep]

Maybe when we are done crying in this thread about how tough it is being a fan, we can all go watch brokeback mountain together and sing songs about the power of love...

IT'S FOOTBALL NOT FIGURE SKATING! If your team won congrats! If your team lost, it sucks being the #2 team in the league but you'll survive, ask Jim Kelly.

What a bunch of whiners!

Who's your favorite team, B-Deep?

Neither of these!It is actually the Cowboys.

 

[fred_1_15301]

A little off topic here but is this for real?  Did 62% really vote that the Seahawks didn't belong in the Superbowl?  If not them, then who?  The Panthers?  I'm seriously just curious if this is true or an exaggeration to make your point.  If it's true, thats ridiculous cause Seattle was clearly (and I thought without a doubt) the best team in the NFC.

Exaggeration to make my point (Hey! at least I admit it! )The roughly 60% figure was the running average in most "who's going to win the superbowl" polls going 60/40 for the Steelers. I don't recall actually seeing a poll asking if the Seahawks (or Steelers for that matter) deserved to be in the Superbowl but if you read the pinned thread leading up to the game there were a lot of people severely dissing what Seattle had done this year and it wasn't just here. I heard a lot of comments about the weak NFC, the strength of schedule, the below average defense....just a lot of questioning if Seattle was even in the same class as the Steelers. I was a bit taken aback at how roundly a #1 seed could be dismissed.

I've said here and in other threads that the Steelers won, they are the champs, they defeated my Seahawks and I tip my cap.

But don't come here whining about having to defend your accomplishment after making me spend two weeks defending ours.

Actually if I recall, there were 2 polls started during the weeks leading up to the superbowl. One (the first poll) had the Steelers leading in votes. But the other one had the Seahawks winning and the margin of difference wasn't all that close. Maybe among the media the Seahawks were disrespected but I didn't see it on here. I saw most fans actually voting for the Hawks (at least according to that 2nd poll). Can anyone corroborate this cause I really don't feel like searching.....

 

[fred_1_15301]

A little off topic here but is this for real?  Did 62% really vote that the Seahawks didn't belong in the Superbowl?  If not them, then who?  The Panthers?  I'm seriously just curious if this is true or an exaggeration to make your point.  If it's true, thats ridiculous cause Seattle was clearly (and I thought without a doubt) the best team in the NFC.

Exaggeration to make my point (Hey! at least I admit it! )The roughly 60% figure was the running average in most "who's going to win the superbowl" polls going 60/40 for the Steelers. I don't recall actually seeing a poll asking if the Seahawks (or Steelers for that matter) deserved to be in the Superbowl but if you read the pinned thread leading up to the game there were a lot of people severely dissing what Seattle had done this year and it wasn't just here. I heard a lot of comments about the weak NFC, the strength of schedule, the below average defense....just a lot of questioning if Seattle was even in the same class as the Steelers. I was a bit taken aback at how roundly a #1 seed could be dismissed.

I've said here and in other threads that the Steelers won, they are the champs, they defeated my Seahawks and I tip my cap.

But don't come here whining about having to defend your accomplishment after making me spend two weeks defending ours.

Actually if I recall, there were 2 polls started during the weeks leading up to the superbowl. One (the first poll) had the Steelers leading in votes. But the other one had the Seahawks winning and the margin of difference wasn't all that close. Maybe among the media the Seahawks were disrespected but I didn't see it on here. I saw most fans actually voting for the Hawks (at least according to that 2nd poll). Can anyone corroborate this cause I really don't feel like searching.....

Yeah I just looked back and one poll had 53% of the fans voting for Pittsburgh to win. The other poll had 60% of the fans voting for Seattle to win. I hardly consider this disrespecting the Hawks. I think you're using a few examples from ignorant Steeler fans that probably questioned the Hawks. However, for the most part fans thought the teams were pretty even (and in fact the majority was actually in the Hawks favor).

 

[The Ref]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders.

I agree 100% - In the brief playoff history of the Raiders and New England Patriots this stands as the signature moment: Ken Stabler trying to throw the ball, Ray Hamilton crashing into him, Dreith calling a roughing-the-passer penalty.

It happened at the Oakland Coliseum on Dec. 18, 1976, in the final minute of an AFC divisional playoff game. The Patriots were leading 21-17 and the Raiders were driving, though they faced 3rd-and-18 at New England's 28-yard line.

Hamilton tipped Stabler's pass, which was intended for running back Carl Garrett; the ball floated to earth, incomplete. The Raiders were staring at 4th-and-18, right? Wrong. Dreith threw his flag, saying Hamilton nailed Stabler with excessive force and giving the Raiders a first down at the 13.

This is no doubt the worst call in playoff history, and cost the Patriots a fourth Super Bowl.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders. 

I agree 100% - In the brief playoff history of the Raiders and New England Patriots this stands as the signature moment: Ken Stabler trying to throw the ball, Ray Hamilton crashing into him, Dreith calling a roughing-the-passer penalty.

It happened at the Oakland Coliseum on Dec. 18, 1976, in the final minute of an AFC divisional playoff game. The Patriots were leading 21-17 and the Raiders were driving, though they faced 3rd-and-18 at New England's 28-yard line.

Hamilton tipped Stabler's pass, which was intended for running back Carl Garrett; the ball floated to earth, incomplete. The Raiders were staring at 4th-and-18, right? Wrong. Dreith threw his flag, saying Hamilton nailed Stabler with excessive force and giving the Raiders a first down at the 13.

This is no doubt the worst call in playoff history, and cost the Patriots a fourth Super Bowl.

Is this ? You do realize he was referring to a different Raiders/Pats playoff game?

 

[Assani Fisher]

Most winning teams go through this. The Redskins only made the second round of the playoffs, yet I still had to defend them all year long against people who thought they were just lucky.

The truth is that in this age of parity, there really isn't a huge difference between being #1 and not even making the playoffs. For example, if Pit played Miami right now on a neutral field, I wouldn't be shocked if Miami won. So any team that wins is going to have a ton of luck along the way. Thats nothing against Pitt...its just the nature of the game today.

So, yes, I think a team does have to win multiple times in order to truly prove that they are a great team. In the end, though, you shouldn't care. And Big Ben will have your team in contention for the next decade, so that respect may indeed be coming.

It's funny to hear Steeler fans complain that they have to defend their accomplishment(s) after spending two weeks defending the Seahawk's accomplishments to all the Steeler fans You don't have to go back to the Patriots to find a kindred spirit, just look to the Seahawks who had to hear all the "NFC sucks" and "Strength of Schedule" BS for the last 2 weeks.

Steelers won, tip of the hat, congrats. They are the champs.

But I can't help but think that karma is rearing it's ugly head here a bit. Seahawks were one of the best teams in the NFL this season and they got solidly dissed for 2 weeks.

And Steelers fans were being laughed at before the Cincinnati game because they even considered the possibility of beating the Bengals, Colts and Broncos on the road to get to the Super Bowl. I can search for the thread if you want.You have to remember that at one point the Steelers were 7-5 and just lost 3 in a row. Since then the Steelers went 8-0, mostly playing the cream of the NFL and only playing 2 of those games at home.

The Steelers have taken a road no other team has before and came out on top.

For the last 2 weeks I had to hear from 62% of the voting public that the Seahawks didn't deserve to be in the Superbowl

A little off topic here but is this for real? Did 62% really vote that the Seahawks didn't belong in the Superbowl? If not them, then who? The Panthers? I'm seriously just curious if this is true or an exaggeration to make your point. If it's true, thats ridiculous cause Seattle was clearly (and I thought without a doubt) the best team in the NFC.

I think far more than 62% of people thought that Seattle wasn't the #2 team in the NFL but made it due to playing a ridiculously easy schedule, the #6 NFC seed, and the #5 NFC seed. I recall quite a few comments about how Seattle would've struggled to make it out of the first round in the AFC.

 

[parrot]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders. Raiders fans still cringe at the thought of Tuck Rule.

I'm not sure if the bad plays in Superbowl XL will stand the test of time as the tuck rule has, but I think Steelers fans should be prepared to live with the negativity surrounding the win for quite a while.

The Snow Bowl/The Tuck (January 19, 2002, Oakland Raiders vs. New England Patriots, AFC Divisional Playoff Game)

With less than two minutes to play in regulation, the Patriots trailed the Raiders, 13-10, in a game played mostly under a driving snowstorm. Oakland defensive back Charles Woodson blitzed Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and sacked him, causing what appeared to be a fumble. The ball was recovered by the Raiders' Greg Biekert at the Oakland 42-yard-line. When the officials reviewed the play, however, they ruled that Brady lost the ball while attempting to abort a pass (using a tucking motion), making it an incomplete pass rather than a fumble. The Patriots retained possession, and later tied the game on an Adam Vinatieri field goal with 27 seconds left in regulation. They won the game in overtime on a 23-yard field goal.

How about the Indy/Steelers game 23 days ago.

Or the Patriots/Broncos game the day before.Like Seattle, the Pats didn't play that well, and also got jobbed on a couple huge calls.

 

[thejag]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders. 

I agree 100% - In the brief playoff history of the Raiders and New England Patriots this stands as the signature moment: Ken Stabler trying to throw the ball, Ray Hamilton crashing into him, Dreith calling a roughing-the-passer penalty.

It happened at the Oakland Coliseum on Dec. 18, 1976, in the final minute of an AFC divisional playoff game. The Patriots were leading 21-17 and the Raiders were driving, though they faced 3rd-and-18 at New England's 28-yard line.

Hamilton tipped Stabler's pass, which was intended for running back Carl Garrett; the ball floated to earth, incomplete. The Raiders were staring at 4th-and-18, right? Wrong. Dreith threw his flag, saying Hamilton nailed Stabler with excessive force and giving the Raiders a first down at the 13.

This is no doubt the worst call in playoff history, and cost the Patriots a fourth Super Bowl.

Is this ? You do realize he was referring to a different Raiders/Pats playoff game?

Do you realize that this was a worse call than anything seen in this post-season?Any Pats fan old enough will tell you: there is no sarcasm here. If ESPN had been around in '76, that play would be as well-known as the 'tuck rule' play.

 

[bigfishboy]

Its 2 days after the first super bowl victory since the 70's, I just got done with a Primantis sandwich at the super bowl parade, and I'm nothing but pissed off. Haven't heard anything about Ben's obscene winning record as a starter, or how great the run through the playoffs was. Just about how Seattle should have won. I've looked at the controversial plays over and over. There were a lot of them, but I still don't see any reason why they should have definitely gone the other way. It sucks. I feel like we have to win another to prove anything. I didn't think anything could ruin a Steeler super bowl victory but it has. You fans who haven't gone through it can't even begin to understand. I'm sure you'd all still gladly trade places with me, but this really does suck. I'm sympathizing with the Patriots.

Basic phychology says you feel this way after ill-gotten gains.If you were satisfied with their acheivements you wouldn't worry about what others say.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders. 

I agree 100% - In the brief playoff history of the Raiders and New England Patriots this stands as the signature moment: Ken Stabler trying to throw the ball, Ray Hamilton crashing into him, Dreith calling a roughing-the-passer penalty.

It happened at the Oakland Coliseum on Dec. 18, 1976, in the final minute of an AFC divisional playoff game. The Patriots were leading 21-17 and the Raiders were driving, though they faced 3rd-and-18 at New England's 28-yard line.

Hamilton tipped Stabler's pass, which was intended for running back Carl Garrett; the ball floated to earth, incomplete. The Raiders were staring at 4th-and-18, right? Wrong. Dreith threw his flag, saying Hamilton nailed Stabler with excessive force and giving the Raiders a first down at the 13.

This is no doubt the worst call in playoff history, and cost the Patriots a fourth Super Bowl.

Is this ? You do realize he was referring to a different Raiders/Pats playoff game?

Do you realize that this was a worse call than anything seen in this post-season?Any Pats fan old enough will tell you: there is no sarcasm here. If ESPN had been around in '76, that play would be as well-known as the 'tuck rule' play.

You completely missed my point. I"m not even trying to make a comparison of the 2 plays because i wasn't around for the first one. I just found irony in the fact that they both were citing the worse call involving the same 2 teams but different games. I just thought it was funny.

 

[BGP]

As a Steeler fan I've grown to hate the Patriots. Always good games when we played but I've detested them ever since they knocked us out of the first AFCC game. I bashed their super bowl efforts, said they were lucky, and that if they played St. Louis 10 times they'd lose 9 of them. Tore into Brady every chance I had, came up with arguments against a dynasty, everything pretty much everyone else did up until their third win.

Now I'm beginning to understand their plight of having to defend themselves. Not trying to say its the same thing, there are reasons why my teams getting torn into, but this sucks. Its 2 days after the first super bowl victory since the 70's, I just got done with a Primantis sandwich at the super bowl parade, and I'm nothing but pissed off. Haven't heard anything about Ben's obscene winning record as a starter, or how great the run through the playoffs was. Just about how Seattle should have won. I've looked at the controversial plays over and over. There were a lot of them, but I still don't see any reason why they should have definitely gone the other way. It sucks. I feel like we have to win another to prove anything. I didn't think anything could ruin a Steeler super bowl victory but it has. You fans who haven't gone through it can't even begin to understand. I'm sure you'd all still gladly trade places with me, but this really does suck. I'm sympathizing with the Patriots.

Dude, your team is the champ. Who cares how you got it or what anyone thinks about how you got it. Who cares about the Patriots titles right now. Enjoy it.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Anytime you feel depressed just remember who has the Lombardi Trophy.  That should cheer you up.

Exactly. To me, the Steelers proved they were the best team before even playing the superbowl. They beat (convincingly I might add) the two best teams in the league on the road. Then they went into the superbowl and won the game--period. You have nothing to be disappointed about or ashamed about. Fans from other teams will have their opinions and thats fine. Don't let that ruin your spirit. AFter the road the Steelers had to take, no team is more deserving of calling themselves NFL champs than our Steelers.

See, you don't even think the Steelers are the best team in the NFL.

 

[Serenity Now]

Honestly, the only playoff game I can remember that compares to this one in terms of bad calls was the Pats and Raiders. 

I agree 100% - In the brief playoff history of the Raiders and New England Patriots this stands as the signature moment: Ken Stabler trying to throw the ball, Ray Hamilton crashing into him, Dreith calling a roughing-the-passer penalty.

It happened at the Oakland Coliseum on Dec. 18, 1976, in the final minute of an AFC divisional playoff game. The Patriots were leading 21-17 and the Raiders were driving, though they faced 3rd-and-18 at New England's 28-yard line.

Hamilton tipped Stabler's pass, which was intended for running back Carl Garrett; the ball floated to earth, incomplete. The Raiders were staring at 4th-and-18, right? Wrong. Dreith threw his flag, saying Hamilton nailed Stabler with excessive force and giving the Raiders a first down at the 13.

This is no doubt the worst call in playoff history, and cost the Patriots a fourth Super Bowl.

:shudder:The phantom roughing the passer play and the injury of Darryl Stingley. These are the two reasons I will never root for the Raiders to do anything but suck, ever.

 

[greenroom]

As a Steeler fan I've grown to hate the Patriots. Always good games when we played but I've detested them ever since they knocked us out of the first AFCC game. I bashed their super bowl efforts, said they were lucky, and that if they played St. Louis 10 times they'd lose 9 of them. Tore into Brady every chance I had, came up with arguments against a dynasty, everything pretty much everyone else did up until their third win.

Now I'm beginning to understand their plight of having to defend themselves. Not trying to say its the same thing, there are reasons why my teams getting torn into, but this sucks. Its 2 days after the first super bowl victory since the 70's, I just got done with a Primantis sandwich at the super bowl parade, and I'm nothing but pissed off. Haven't heard anything about Ben's obscene winning record as a starter, or how great the run through the playoffs was. Just about how Seattle should have won. I've looked at the controversial plays over and over. There were a lot of them, but I still don't see any reason why they should have definitely gone the other way. It sucks. I feel like we have to win another to prove anything. I didn't think anything could ruin a Steeler super bowl victory but it has. You fans who haven't gone through it can't even begin to understand. I'm sure you'd all still gladly trade places with me, but this really does suck. I'm sympathizing with the Patriots.

I can only say if Seattle had gotten the calls. And Pittsburgh was the one that got robbed. I can think that this board would be twice as bad as it is. So thank goodness it was Seattle that got the Shaft and not Pittsburgh .

Nothing worse than upset Pitt Fans.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Anytime you feel depressed just remember who has the Lombardi Trophy.  That should cheer you up.

Exactly. To me, the Steelers proved they were the best team before even playing the superbowl. They beat (convincingly I might add) the two best teams in the league on the road. Then they went into the superbowl and won the game--period. You have nothing to be disappointed about or ashamed about. Fans from other teams will have their opinions and thats fine. Don't let that ruin your spirit. AFter the road the Steelers had to take, no team is more deserving of calling themselves NFL champs than our Steelers.

See, you don't even think the Steelers are the best team in the NFL.

Jesus you caught me lol. I should have added "the best two teams AT THE TIME"

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I guess you just need to decide whether you would rather have a super bowl trophy while people complain about the calls that no one will remember in 10 years, or have a pretty good shot at not having the trophy at all and not have any complaining about the calls.

 

[psychobillies]

As a Steeler fan I've grown to hate the Patriots. Always good games when we played but I've detested them ever since they knocked us out of the first AFCC game. I bashed their super bowl efforts, said they were lucky, and that if they played St. Louis 10 times they'd lose 9 of them. Tore into Brady every chance I had, came up with arguments against a dynasty, everything pretty much everyone else did up until their third win.

Now I'm beginning to understand their plight of having to defend themselves. Not trying to say its the same thing, there are reasons why my teams getting torn into, but this sucks. Its 2 days after the first super bowl victory since the 70's, I just got done with a Primantis sandwich at the super bowl parade, and I'm nothing but pissed off. Haven't heard anything about Ben's obscene winning record as a starter, or how great the run through the playoffs was. Just about how Seattle should have won. I've looked at the controversial plays over and over. There were a lot of them, but I still don't see any reason why they should have definitely gone the other way. It sucks. I feel like we have to win another to prove anything. I didn't think anything could ruin a Steeler super bowl victory but it has. You fans who haven't gone through it can't even begin to understand. I'm sure you'd all still gladly trade places with me, but this really does suck. I'm sympathizing with the Patriots.

You really haven't heard anything about Bens record as a starter or the great run through the playoffs?